Aaron Channing

Sophomore Aaron Channing loves to stay busy. Playing football and golf, lifting, running, watching movies, hanging out with good friends and vacationing at the shore name just a few of the ways he likes to fill his time.

While he is at school, quarterback Aaron Channing’s days are full of academics and football training. When he’s not in classes, he works out and watches film with his coaches. He practices into the late afternoon; and twice a week, he referees for intramural flag football.

Channing, a special-education major and sports management minor, transferred to Geneva College from Kutztown University in the spring of 2014.

“It’s always tough transferring into a football team, but this team welcomed me with open arms,” Aaron says. “We go through ups and downs, so it’s tough for me as a leader. And you have to see how people react to adversity, so it’s taught me to stay positive, leading by my actions. God’s really been blessing me with this opportunity.”

Aaron’s father graduated from Geneva in 1986, so Aaron always knew Geneva was a possibility for college. When he decided to leave Kutztown, Aaron enjoyed a decisive visit to Geneva.

“It was a good fit for football, had my major and I just loved the people,” reflects Aaron. “Also the Christian aspect: the welcoming and kindness. It’s a rare place when it comes to that.”

Aaron and other transfer students arrived one week before classes began to participate in Learning & Transition. Led by current students, orientation activities included a tour of Beaver Falls, bowling, dining at a local restaurant and talking about ways to get involved on campus.

During his first semester at Geneva, Aaron lived in Memorial Hall, one of the traditional residence halls situated in the heart of campus. He loved the short walk to class and the proximity to student activity.

Aaron has attended several campus events, and he looks forward to new ones this semester. “My Generation Night was pretty awesome,” he says. “I heard a lot about it, and it really lived up to its expectations.”

Aaron and his friends hope to make cameo appearances in a student-produced film at MGN or Film Fest—another popular event—before they graduate.

He was inspired to major in Special Education after working at Camp Joy for children with special needs. Aaron noticed how happy the campers were, despite their physical limitations. “It’s a little bit of a life-changer,” he says.

“The most interesting class I ever took was Implementing the Arts with Dr. Heisey,” says Aaron. “It made me feel young again. You don’t really get to color and dance around in college classes very often, so it was really fun.”

Soon Aaron will be able to apply these practices as he hopes to teach high school special-education classes and coach high school or college football after graduation.

“Aaron is a servant-leader; he will find a way to reach out to a person in need and show the love of Christ,” says Geno DeMarco, head football coach at Geneva. “His preparation for football is an example to his teammates as a blueprint for success.”